Marking the hospitality group’s first Italian concept, La Sponda represents a natural evolution for Gioia Hospitality, whose reputation has been built on exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality, and thoughtfully designed destinations. More than a restaurant, La Sponda is a deeply personal expression of Thomas Angelo’s lifelong connection to Italy, drawing from his family’s roots in Puglia and decades spent exploring the country’s regional cuisine, artisans, wineries, and traditions.

“I grew up in a family deeply rooted in southern Italy, where some of my favorite memories were made in the kitchen and my travels with my children to Puglia,” said Thomas Angelo, Co-Founder of Gioia Hospitality Group. “Those memories became the foundation for La Sponda, and our hope is that every guest who walks through our doors feels that same sense of warmth, connection, and hospitality.”

“This restaurant is incredibly personal to us because it brings together our family’s traditions with everything we’ve learned while building Gioia Hospitality. We can’t wait to welcome guests into a place that feels as warm and memorable as the homes and restaurants that inspired it,” said Kassidy Angelo, Co-Founder of Gioia Hospitality Group.

“Grove Isle has long held a special place in Miami, with a history as one of the city’s most celebrated waterfront destinations,” said Ugo Colombo, Founder of CMC Group. “With Vita, our vision has been to honor that legacy while introducing a new expression of luxury and waterfront living. La Sponda is a natural extension of that vision bringing exceptional dining, hospitality and design together to create a destination that enhances the lifestyle at Vita and once again establishes Grove Isle as a place for the broader Miami community to experience and enjoy.”

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Photo Credit: The Louis Collection

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While Daniel’s introduced guests to one of the country’s most celebrated steak programs, La Sponda continues Gioia Hospitality’s culinary legacy, complementing that steak-driven foundation with handmade pasta, pristine seafood, exceptional wines, and genuine hospitality that come together around the table. Leading the culinary program is Chef Danny Ganem, who has worked alongside Thomas and Kassidy to bring the family’s vision to life. Fresh pasta is made in-house daily, alongside an evolving selection of crudo, antipasti, and seafood, with signature specialties inspired by the founders’ favorite dishes and family traditions, alongside dishes drawn from different regions across Italy. Highlights include Spaghetti alla Chitarra al Tartufo with Burgundy truffles, cultured butter, and Parmigiano espuma; Paccheri al Campagnolo with Aquanaria Branzino, Datterini Tomatoes, Capers, Olives; Branzino alla Vernaccia with Taggiasca olives, potatoes, tomatoes, and basil; Skull Island Gamberoni, Whole Tiger Prawns, Rosemary, Lemon, Gioia Olive Oil; Linguine all’Astice, Maine Lobster, Fennel, Ginger Wine, Pomodoro and an Australian L’Grow Ranch Wagyu Bistecca Fiorentina, a Wagyu porterhouse finished with rosemary, Balsamico di Modena, and Gioia olive oil.

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Complementing the culinary program, Wine & Beverage Director Daniel Bishop curates a globally influenced wine collection anchored by Italy’s most celebrated regions and inspired by the Angelo family’s Italian heritage. The list showcases benchmark reds, including Barolo and Barbaresco from Piemonte, celebrated Tuscan selections, lighter-style Etna reds from Sicily, and wines from Puglia that pay homage to the Angelo family’s roots. Bright, mineral-driven coastal whites of Italy complement the collection, evoking the seaside regions and destinations of the Amalfi Coast, Taormina, and Cinque Terre. French, Spanish, and California wines further round out the program, alongside select vintages spanning up to 20 to 25 years. The collection continues to evolve over time, shaped by seasonality and guest preferences.

Signature cocktails include the refreshing La Sponda Bellini with white peach, Martini & Rossi prosecco; Bellagio, with Grey Goose, Bordiga Bianco, Italicus Vanilla, grapefruit; Summer in Amalfi Spritz with St. Germain, Condesa Gin Clasica, cucumber, bay leaf, Martini & Rossi prosecco; Zio Tony, a tropical riff on the Paper Plane, with Angel’s Envy Daniel’s Cask Bourbon, Sarti Aperitivo, Amaro Nonino Riserva, passion fruit, and lemon; and Garibaldi Fresca, a playful take on the Italian classic with Campari and fluffy pineapple and orange juices.

Over the past several years, Thomas, Kassidy, Danny Ganem, and Daniel Bishop have traveled extensively throughout Italy, immersing themselves in regional culinary traditions while building relationships with producers, winemakers, artisans, and suppliers. Every journey helped shape La Sponda, from discovering family-run wineries and sourcing exceptional ingredients to selecting handcrafted materials and finding inspiration in the timeless hospitality that defines Italy’s most beloved destinations.

Designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the restaurant blends timeless European elegance with the relaxed sophistication of Coconut Grove. Nearly every element throughout the space was thoughtfully sourced from Italy, including handcrafted furnishings, imported stone, custom tables, and artisan finishes. Guests are welcomed into an intimate dining room anchored by crisp white tablecloths, hand-painted architectural details, a baby grand piano, and a private dining room tucked away for special occasions. While the restaurant is rooted in Italian craftsmanship, subtle nods to Coconut Grove can be found throughout the interiors, including custom lamps individually hand-painted by a local artist with illustrations inspired by the neighborhood’s iconic peacocks and tropical surroundings. With seating for approximately 120 guests, La Sponda was designed to feel both grand and welcoming, bringing together refined luxury and the warmth of an Italian home.

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True to Gioia Hospitality Group’s philosophy, service remains at the heart of the La Sponda experience. Led by an experienced front-of-house team, guests can expect warm, attentive hospitality inspired by the traditions of Italy, where every meal is treated as an occasion and every guest is welcomed like family.

La Sponda is open for dinner on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 5 – 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 – 11 p.m. In November, La Sponda will open for lunch and brunch. Reservations will be available on Resy. For more information, visit www.laspondamiami.com or follow @LaSpondaMiami on Instagram.